Eye Expo at UH Offers Resources to the Visually Impaired

A daylong vision expo will be held Saturday, March 5 at the University of Houston (UH), offering information on rehabilitation and resources for the blind and visually impaired to live independent and productive lives.

The Houston Area Insight Expo will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering workshops, speakers, panel discussions, information and resources. Presented by the Houston Area Visually Impaired Network (HAVIN), the event is hosted by the University Eye Institute’s Center for Sight Enhancement in the UH College of Optometry at 4901 Calhoun Rd.

“Faculty from the center will give presentations on the role of vision rehabilitation and highlight specific programs relating to bioptic telescopic spectacles for driving and assistive technology,” said Stan Woo, O.D., clinical associate professor and director of the Center for Sight Enhancement. “We also will have panel discussions with themes covering adjustment to blindness, children with visual impairments, the transition from school to college to work and issues faced by older adults.”

Meant to encourage collaboration and sharing of resources, the expo will offer workshops ranging from strategies and issues for caregivers to providing an iPhone and iPad accessibility demonstration. Exhibitors also will be on hand to present information, resources and devices of interest, such as talking book programs, assistive technology and MetroLift.

Sharing his perspective on past, present and future challenges in vision rehabilitation, Franklin I. Porter, O.D., from the Lighthouse of Houston will give the keynote address. Capping off the inaugural event will be a talent show put on by volunteers from both HAVIN and the visually impaired community.

The cost of the event is $5 for the day, which includes lunch and a raffle ticket for door prizes. To register, visit http://stx.albinism.org/events/havin-conference. For more information, contact Ron Graham at rgraham@cebridge.net or 713-825-9108.

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About the UH College of OptometrySince 1952, the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) has educated and trained optometrists to provide the highest quality vision care. One of only 20 optometry schools in the country, UHCO offers a variety of degree programs, including Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), a combined Doctor of Optometry/Doctor of Philosophy (O.D./Ph.D.), Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). UHCO serves an average of 36,000 patients a year through The University Eye Institute and its satellite clinics.